Police say they're getting increasing numbers of calls about attempted suicide - 12,000 in 2013.
Photo: Pheoebe Morris
They're working with the Health Ministry to try to work out why suicidal people are calling the Police, rather than mental health crisis services, or helplines.
Agencies on the ground say it's no mystery: Police are more likely to be available - and some crisis services even recommend people at risk of suicide call the police, instead of an emergency mental health service.
To find out more, Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon spoke to Assistant Police Commissioner, Dave Cliff.
He says police can do more in terms of training in how to deal with the situation.
The Wireless looked at the issue of access to mental health services earlier this year.